How To Address Customer Reluctance To Adjuvants In Aerial Applications

Adjuvants can be an effective tool for aerial applicators to help minimize drift, droplet bounce, foaming issues, etc. when spraying with drones. But what if the customer isn’t convinced on adding another step?

Joe Gednalske, CPDA director of education – adjuvant development, shares tips for responding to four common points of pushback. 

“The Pesticide Label Doesn’t Require Them”
Even though adjuvants may not be required, Gednalske says they do help achieve the overall goal of spraying.

“A consistent and complete deposition with minimal drift is the goal of adjuvant use,” he says. “If it’s restricted you can’t use it, but if it isn’t restricted you can use drift and deposition agents.”

“I Use a Drift-Reducing Nozzle”
“That’s half the battle for ground applications, but in air it’s drastically different,” Gednalske says. “Many commercial applicators are using deposition aids of some type to reduce off target movement and increase coverage.”

He adds deposition adjuvants should be considered due to their advantages beyond driftable fine reduction as well.

“They Are Too Difficult to Mix and Apply”
Gednalske shares the degree of difficulty does increase with low spray volumes, but some extra time working in the background will reduce issues.

“By following the order of addition and use rate guidelines, mixing application problems can be minimized,” he says.

“They Cost Too Much”
When weighing the risks and benefits, Gednalske believes the cost of adding an adjuvant is a no brainer.

“The cost is insignificant compared to the risk of drift,” he says. “We’ve proved many times over the cost is minimal just from the increased deposition.”